Page 4 of Executive Decision
“You’re right,” I said.
“I’m not going to say anything to anyone,” Daphne said. “Just relax. You didn’t mean to offend me. I’m… it’s okay.”
She relaxed. It was an honest mistake. I should have held back. I stepped on the elevator worrying I opened Pandora’s box.
2THE BOARD
Daphne
I stood before the mirror,mopping tears. My father’s secretary, an older woman who’d been with Delphine Holdings forever, looked on sympathetically while washing her hands. She debated asking what happened but knew better. On the other side of that door, a presentation awaited—one that could redefine my future.
I should not cry in a bathroom while a man—again—stole my moment.
She turned to leave, but stopped. “Daphne, if you need something, sweetheart, you can always ask. Are you okay?”
I shrugged, dropping my gaze to the tile floor.
“Because it’s okay to confide in people. Sweetie, I watched you grow up. It’s okay to come to me if something is going on.”
“I’m fine,” I lied.
I wasn’t. I’d just gotten off a plane after having a breakup conversation with a man who claimed to love me but asked too much.
“Well, alright.” She left.
I powdered my face. You’ve got this, Daphne.
I tucked my compact into my desk, grabbed my laptop, and headed to the conference room. I threw aside the ultimatum I’d left behind in London. I sat near my brother in back.
“Time to nap.” He snickered.
I rolled my eyes, “It isn’tthatbad. You need to focus on strategy. That’s all this is.”
“Robertson will go on and on again about audits and I cannot even.”
I snickered. Our Chief Compliance Officer wasn’t much of a fun time. I had biweekly meetings in his side of the house with legal. Even for me, it was anything but thrilling.
“It’s like Aunt Kara at thanksgiving describing her trips to Europe,” Davey groaned, pretending to sleep.
“Slides, too. She’s not gone there.”
“Yet. Don’t speak it into existence, Daph.”
Davey wasn’t much for feels—despite being sensitive. He was a people pleaser with a fragile ego. However, he knew me well. Knowing something happened in London, he clowned to distract me.
“You’re going to kill it with the presentation,” Davey added.
“Try not to fall asleep. Okay?” I joked.
I caught Cal’s eye. He entered the conference room, nervously ignoring me. I rarely saw him since we were here alone. He sat with the other C-suite guys.
I nervously shifted in my chair as Dad entered with the president and board. They chatted with Cal. He nodded at Davey and I, but didn’t make a big fuss. I struggled sometimes with his dichotomy of big boss and doting dad. I didn’t want to be overly familiar, but sometimes I wanted a hug. Today was one of those times.
With a full conference room, the meeting began. When it was my turn, my father’s assistant nodded at me and queued my slides.
“David Jr., are you presenting this?” Our president asked my brother.
“No, Daphne took this one,” Davey answered. “She just got back from London. She has been providing the white glove service.”
